sub-

Undertake the Sub Prefix Subway

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The prefix sub-, with its variants suc-, suf-, sug-, sup-, and sur-, all mean “under.”

Sub- is the most common form of this prefix. A submarine, for instance, travels “under” the sea. A subway is the way to travel “under” a city. When you have a subpar performance, it is “under” what it should be. When you subscribe to a magazine, you "under"write it so as to provide the writers of the magazine with money for their efforts. And a subterranean cave is “under” the earth.

Sub- also has a large number of variant spellings, which not only all begin with su-, making them easy to spot, but also follow the rules of prefix assimilation, which makes the word easier to say. Let’s take a look at a number of these spelling variants so that you can get the hang of them.

The prefix sub- changes naturally to suf-, which also means “under,” in front of roots that begin with an f. If a prefix begins or sits at the “top” of a word, a suffix is fixed “under” or “at the foot of” it. How silly “subfix” would sound! If something is sufficient, enough has been made or done “under” it to hold it up. Again, “subficient” just doesn’t work. And when one suffers, one carries “under” herself a heavy burden. Imagine our suffering if we had to say “I am subferring from a cold!”

Let’s look at some other variants of sub-, which follow three common rules:
1. All mean “under.”
2. All begin with su-.
3. All follow the rules of prefix assimilation.

• Succor: When you succor another person, you run “under” her in order to help her.
• Suggest: When you suggest something, you carry it “under” the notice of other people.
• Support: When someone supports you, she goes “under” you to carry you in some way.
• Surreal: Something surreal is not quite real, but is “under” that which is real, hence seems dreamlike.

Don’t be taken “under” by words that contain sub-, but realize that sub- and its variants beginning with su- just want to take you “under” their linguistic wing!

1. submarine: vehicle which goes ‘under’ the sea.
2. subway: ’under’ground transportation
3. subpar: of a performance that is ‘under’ what it should be
4. subscribe: to ’under’write a magazine
5. subterranean: pertaining to ‘under’ the ground
6. suffix: morpheme fastened ‘under’ a word
7. sufficient: a doing ‘under’
8. suffer: a carrying ‘under’
9. succor: a running ‘under’
10. suggest: a carrying ‘under’
11. support: a carrying ‘under’
12. surreal: ‘under’ reality

Usage

• subjugate

  If someone subjugates a group of people or country, they conquer and bring it under control by force.

• subservient

  If you are subservient, you are too eager and willing to do what other people want and often put your own wishes aside.

• substantive

  Substantive issues are the most important, serious, and real issues of a subject.

• subterfuge

  If you employ subterfuge, you use a secret plan or action to get what you want by outwardly doing one thing that cleverly hides your true intentions.

• subvert

  To subvert something, such as a government, is to try to destroy or damage its power and influence; to subvert someone is to corrupt their morals, loyalty, or faith.

• suborn

  If you suborn someone, you persuade them to do something illegal, especially by giving them money to do so.

• subsume

  If something is subsumed, it is included within a larger class or group as a member rather than being considered separately.

• subjective

  A subjective opinion is not based upon facts or hard evidence; rather, it rests upon someone's personal feelings or beliefs about a matter or concern.

• subside

  When something subsides, it begins to go away, lessen, or decrease in some way.

• subsistence

  Subsistence is the means someone has to support their existence, usually referring to food and shelter.

• subterranean

  A subterranean place is underground or below the earth, often hidden or secret.

• subtle

  A subtle point is so clever or small that it is hard to notice or understand; it can also be very wise or deep in meaning.

• subversive

  A subversive act destroys or does great harm to a government or other institution.

• substantial

  A substantial amount of something, such as food, is a lot of it.

• subordinate

  A subordinate position is lower or lesser in rank than another.

• subsequent

  One thing that is subsequent to another is later than—or after it—in time.

• submissive

  When someone is submissive, they are highly obedient and often give in to the demands of others.

• subdue

  When you subdue something, such as an enemy or emotions, you defeat or bring them under control.

• substitute

  A substitute takes the place of someone or something for a short period of time.

• submit

  When you submit something, you give, send, or present it to someone for their review.

• submarine

  move forward or under in a sliding motion

• subscribe

  offer to buy, as of stocks and shares

• subtract

  take off or away

• suburb

  a residential district located on the outskirts of a city